Dear Reader,
As the world confronts an era of profound environmental crises, rising temperatures, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, it becomes imperative to seek wisdom from diverse epistemologies. African philosophy, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge systems and an intrinsic harmony with nature, offers a transformative framework for environmental protection. Yet, this vital intellectual and cultural reservoir remains underexplored in mainstream environmental discourse.
The 2024 Faith and Environment Blog Series brings this perspective to the forefront, exploring the intersection of religion, indigenous ecological practices, and African philosophical thought. This series presents six papers, whose authors, on expertise and research, paint this intersection.
Owen Ndirangu's paper provides an incisive study of the Kikuyu people's environmental stewardship in Kenya, while Kuleh Hussein examines the Oromo community in Ethiopia, illuminating their traditional ecological knowledge. Beth's work introduces a Christian theological perspective, drawing on biblical principles of environmental protection, whereas Awino Dinah articulates the Seventh-day Adventist commitment to environmental stewardship.
Expanding the discourse, Jimmy Wambua engages Ali Mazrui's triple heritage framework, interrogating how the entanglement of indigenous traditions, Western modernity, and Islamic influences has shaped Africa's environmental consciousness, often disrupting the continent's deep-rooted relationship with nature. This contribution further develops this critique, emphasizing the enduring legacies of cultural transitions.
Themba's paper concludes the series while issuing a compelling call to action, underscoring the role of youth in spearheading environmental transformation. Education emerges as a catalyst for change, fostering leadership and collective responsibility among young people. By providing platforms for dialogue and innovation, institutions can cultivate a generation committed to ecological sustainability.
Together, these scholarly contributions challenge conventional paradigms and reaffirm the necessity of integrating indigenous wisdom, faith-based ethics, and youth leadership into the global environmental agenda. The insights presented here offer not just a critique of prevailing models but a blueprint for reimagining environmental governance through African-centered epistemologies.
The Support of the following persons in the process of publishing this blogs is acknowledged with much appreciation:
Nabintu wa Nciko Laetitia
LL.B student Kabarak University , Project Lead Kabarak University Faith and Environment Project
Laureen Mukami
Editorial Assistant, Kabarak University Press
Lawer Bina
Intern, Kabarak University Press
George Njogu
Editor in Charge of Kabarak Law review Blog
Fortune Pawi
Editor in Charge of Kabarak Law Review Blog
Enjoy!